Networking

[Guest]

hI have just bought a laptop and asked my ISP to supply a wireless modem
router.
The laptop and my desktop both run Windows XP SP2 home and I use Mcafee
firewall software (and AV software) on both of them.
THe PC is connected via Ethernet and the laptop via wireless
The wireless modem / router has been set-up using my ISP's installation
disc. Both machines connect to the internet fine.
The modem router appears as an "Internet Gateway" In the Network Connections
Window on both machines.
I don't have user accounts on either machine as I am the only user.
Now the question. How do I enable file and print sharing between the machines?
I have some files on the PC that I'd like to synchronise with the laptop.
The printer I have is connected to the PC via a parallel port.
The router is using NAT for security according to the (slim) documentation
and it says it can enable a built in IP filter firewall if required.
I don't want to place my system at risk by turning off my software firewalls
etc so any help is much appreciated. I hope I included enough info in the
question. Sorry if I have not.

Mike
50+ and still grappling with the technology

 

[Sharon F]

hI have just bought a laptop and asked my ISP to supply a wireless modem
router.
The laptop and my desktop both run Windows XP SP2 home and I use Mcafee
firewall software (and AV software) on both of them.
THe PC is connected via Ethernet and the laptop via wireless
The wireless modem / router has been set-up using my ISP's installation
disc. Both machines connect to the internet fine.
The modem router appears as an "Internet Gateway" In the Network Connections
Window on both machines.
I don't have user accounts on either machine as I am the only user.
Now the question. How do I enable file and print sharing between the machines?
I have some files on the PC that I'd like to synchronise with the laptop.
The printer I have is connected to the PC via a parallel port.
The router is using NAT for security according to the (slim) documentation
and it says it can enable a built in IP filter firewall if required.
I don't want to place my system at risk by turning off my software firewalls
etc so any help is much appreciated. I hope I included enough info in the
question. Sorry if I have not.

Mike
50+ and still grappling with the technology

You really do have a user account even though you think you don't. XP is
"user-centric." If the computer boots right to the desktop that means there
is no password on the account or auto-logon was setup manually.

For setting up shares, suggest having a "same name" account on both
computer and assign a password. It's the easiest way to get sharing to work
in a useful manner. Without the password, "guest" access is granted for
shares but not full control. If you're going to be synchronizing, there
will be "writes" involved - something more than what "guest" privileges
cover.

For more info about setting up shares, see this article:
Windows XP Professional File Sharing:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm
(NOTE: There is a link in the introductory paragraph for XP Home if that's
what you're using.)

 

[Guest]

Thanks Sharon,

I'm not as smart as you think I am. I was really hoping for more of a step
by step guide. Hope that's not asking too much? Both machines have the same
user name in the default account.

 

[Malke]

Thanks Sharon,

I'm not as smart as you think I am. I was really hoping for more of a
step by step guide. Hope that's not asking too much? Both machines
have the same user name in the default account.

The link Sharon gave you *is* a step-by-step guide. I'll give you some
more links to help - take the time to read the information and you'll
find what you need. In the meantime, here are general directions:

Run the Network Setup Wizard on both computers, making sure to enable
File & Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will
turn on the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party
firewall or have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like
Norton 2005/06) which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have
third-party firewall software, configure it to allow the Local Area
Network traffic as trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an
IP range. Ex. would be 192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would
substitute your correct subnet.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users'
home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share
folders inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the
Shared Documents folder.

http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/myths.htm
http://www.ezlan.net/index.html
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html

If after examining the information at the links and trying the Network
Setup Wizard, you still have problems - consider having a computer
professional come and set you up. It is a quick and easy process,
therefore not usually terribly expensive.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks to both Sharon and Malke - I think I'm good to go now.

 

[Sharon F]

Thanks Sharon,

I'm not as smart as you think I am. I was really hoping for more of a step
by step guide. Hope that's not asking too much? Both machines have the same
user name in the default account.

Mike, I see Malke has you covered. I'm 50+ as well and just set up my first
network a few years ago using the article I referred you to. It takes some
time to work through it all but I did get it to work. I hope you have the
same luck with that article and the others that Malke referenced. Good
luck!